The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 255 - Unrest Prevails

That day, Fang Hongshen wasn't executed but imprisoned, as many cases needed investigation. His involvement with Prince Ming made him a valuable source for gathering more charges against the prince.

However, Fang Yun was no longer concerned about him, knowing his fate was sealed, only a matter of time. Her focus shifted to Pei Yao's promise to elevate her to cefei status.

Emperor Chengjing, though ill, was still alive, so Pei Yao couldn't ascend the throne immediately and had to remain Crown Prince for a while. Depending on the situation, it could take a few months to half a year.

Securing cefei title before Pei Yao's ascension was crucial. Despite Pei Yao's favor and her pregnancy, the Fang name associated with Prince Ming was a liability.

As the Crown Prince's cefei, she could avoid significant resistance from ministers. However, bypassing the consort status to be directly named an imperial consort after Pei Yao's ascension would be challenging. The Emperor's harem was far more politically complex than the Crown Prince's, with many ministers eager to place their daughters in the imperial palace.

Entering the palace as a pregnant consort could secure her position. Starting at a high rank made future promotions easier.

Despite her concerns, she never mentioned them to Pei Yao, as asking for such rewards herself would carry a different implication.

Fortunately, Pei Yao didn't keep her waiting long. Five days later, an official decree named Fang Yun as Crown Prince's cefei. Biluo Pavilion celebrated under Qingrong's lead.

"You all have sweet words. Everyone gets a reward today!" Fang Yun cheerfully announced, waving generously.

The courtyard was filled with joy.

Soon, gifts from the Crown Princess and others arrived.

Fang Yun's first task was to express her gratitude. As Pei Yao hadn't returned yet, she went to Wutong Garden first.

The Crown Princess welcomed her warmly, and Fang Yun acted as dutifully and obediently as ever.

She noticed the Crown Princess approved of her taking cefei position, preferring her over Hu Liangdi and He Liangdi, whose families were strong. Fang Yun's lack of a powerful family made her easier to manage.

However, not everyone felt the same. The next morning at Wutong Garden, He Liangdi's eyes burned with anger upon seeing Fang Yun.

In contrast, Yang Cefei, seated beside Fang Yun, remained composed and even concerned.

"Oh my, He Liangdi, your eyes are red and bloodshot, and you have dark circles. Didn't you sleep well last night?"

"I slept fine, thank you, Yang Cefei," He Liangdi replied through gritted teeth.

She then glared at Fang Yun, bowing with feigned politeness. "Congratulations on your promotion, Fang Liangdi."

"Thank you, He Liangdi," Fang Yun smiled, "but now you should call me Cefei."

Having already clashed with her, Fang Yun showed no kindness. With the tables turned, there was no need to tolerate He Liangdi anymore.

As expected, He Liangdi's eyes narrowed in anger at Fang Yun's pointed reminder of her new title. Though clearly furious, she had been advised to hold her tongue and managed only a cold laugh.

"I misspoke. I thought Fang Cefei would always remain a Liangdi."

"Indeed, you misspoke. But that phrase suits you better than me," Fang Yun replied calmly, her tone unhurried.

Just as He Liangdi was about to retort, Fang Yun turned to Zhao Liangdi. "Oh, Sister Zhao, I almost forgot. I wanted to ask you for some parenting advice. I've been feeling strange, sometimes nauseous, sometimes not. Did you experience this with your eldest? And Second Miss has weaned but is picky with food. What did you feed your eldest?"

This abrupt change in topic left He Liangdi sidelined, clearly disregarded.

Fuming, He Liangdi could only glare at Fang Yun's belly before returning to her seat.

Zhao Liangdi, however, was delighted to share her parenting tips. Yang Cefei, who had also given birth, sipped her tea quietly, occasionally responding with a smile.

The atmosphere seemed harmonious until Hu Liangdi, Xie Shuren, and Xu Xin'er arrived, restoring the room's tension.

These three newcomers, having been in the palace for a short time, were more isolated.

After the formalities, Hu Liangdi addressed Fang Yun. "I didn't visit yesterday to congratulate you, fearing it might disturb your rest. Seeing you so radiant today, it's clear that joy brings good health."

"Thank you, Sister Hu. Your gift was unique; I liked it very much," Fang Yun replied politely.

At this moment, a highly inappropriate voice chimed in.

"Why pretend? We all know you're jealous. Both of you accompanied His Highness hunting, yet you lost a maid while she got pregnant and was promoted to cefei. Same situation, different outcomes."

Everyone frowned and turned toward the voice, and sure enough, it was Xu Xin'er.

She was bold, having recently been scolded by the Crown Princess for requesting a night with the Crown Prince. Yet here she was, causing trouble again.

Fang Yun glanced at her, not intending to respond, and neither did Hu Liangdi.

However, someone enjoyed stirring the pot. He Liangdi, who was already upset, sneered, "Xu Shuren may speak harshly, but she's not wrong. Different fates, indeed."

She disliked both Fang Yun and Hu Liangdi. With Fang Yun untouchable, she directed her anger at Hu Liangdi instead.

Unexpectedly, Xu Xin'er shot back at He Liangdi, "Of course, different fates. Someone has been in the palace for years and is still just a Liangdi."

Fang Yun almost choked on her water, her eyes widening at Xu Xin'er. Was this an indiscriminate attack?

Xu Xin'er, previously subdued, was suddenly invigorated.

"If you dare say that again, I'll tear your mouth apart!" He Liangdi yelled, slamming the table.

Before they could clash, the Crown Princess's low, angry voice cut through the room.

"What's all this noise? It's not even midday, and you're turning Wutong Garden into a marketplace!"

Everyone stood and bowed as the Crown Princess, supported by Tian Mo, took her seat and coldly granted permission to rise.

Just as the quarrel seemed to settle, the announcement came from outside—His Highness had arrived.

Fang Yun sighed deeply, realizing it would be a tumultuous morning.